Santa Monica is a fantastic place for bike tours because of its flat terrain, scenic oceanfront pathways, and lively neighborhoods. Unlike many big cities, Santa Monica offers a mix of beachfront rides, historic canals, and vibrant commercial areas, making cycling not just practical but enjoyable. Whether you’re pedaling past Muscle Beach, exploring the Santa Monica Canals, or cruising along the coast to Marina del Rey, this area is tailor-made for cycling adventures that reveal its laid-back charm and eclectic spirit. Plus, with bike-friendly infrastructure and dedicated bike paths, it’s easy to experience the city at a relaxed pace with minimal hassle.
The variety of tours ranges from guided experiences with insightful commentary to flexible rentals for spontaneous exploring. No matter your fitness level or time constraints, there’s an option that will allow you to soak up the California sunshine and local character. For a more immersive trip, the guided tours include highlights like Venice Beach’s street performers and the colorful Venice Canals, while rentals give you the freedom to craft your own route.
1. Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure Tour
This nearly three-hour bike adventure takes you through Santa Monica’s lively streets and Venice Beach’s iconic boardwalk. The tour begins on the famous Santa Monica Pier and explores the energetic atmosphere of the beachside neighborhoods. You’ll cycle past legal graffiti street galleries, local sculptures, and interesting architecture, making it perfect for those interested in art and urban culture. The guide is described as friendly, professional, and engaging, ensuring a fun and informative experience.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on local art scenes and street culture, giving you a deeper sense of Santa Monica’s creative spirit. It’s family-friendly and operates in a small-group setting, allowing for personalized attention. Reviewers note how the pace is well-suited for all ages and fitness levels, with one saying, “We saw interesting sights and enjoyed the day.” The emphasis on local characters and colorful sights makes this tour stand out.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, art-focused ride that combines cultural insights with scenic cycling, all within a relaxed timeframe.
2. Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Bike Guided Tour
Starting near the iconic Santa Monica Pier, this guided three-hour tour offers an in-depth look at Los Angeles’ beachside neighborhoods. The guide takes you to Muscle Beach, Venice Canals, Marina del Rey, and the Art Walls, providing history, fun facts, and great photo spots along the way. The itinerary includes stopping at the Santa Monica Pier, exploring the historic Venice Canals, and riding through Marina del Rey with its array of boats and yachts.
What makes this tour particularly engaging is the narrative provided by the guide, which helps you appreciate the cultural evolution of the area. It’s perfect for those who want to combine cycling with learning about local history. The reviews highlight how enjoyable and informative the experience is, with one reviewer noting the “fun facts and surprises” shared during the ride.
Bottom line: If you want a guided experience with a focus on history and culture, and enjoy stopping at notable sights like the Venice Canals and Muscle Beach, this tour offers excellent value.
3. Santa Monica & Venice Bike Tour
This two-hour guided tour covers the essentials of Santa Monica and Venice, riding on classic beach cruisers. It includes stops at the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Canals, with an emphasis on local flavor and hidden spots. The tour also visits Abbot Kinney Boulevard for coffee or juice and explores Main Street, known for its independent shops and eateries. Bicycle rental is included, making it easy to hop on and off during the experience.
This tour is great for those wanting to experience Santa Monica and Venice like a local, with plenty of time to enjoy shopping, eating, and sightseeing. The guide shares stories and insights, and the route is well-paced for all ages. Reviewers appreciate the small-group setting and the opportunity to see both well-known and lesser-known areas.
Bottom line: Perfect for short-time visitors who want to hit the highlights and enjoy the vibrant street scenes of Santa Monica and Venice.
4. Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey e-Bike Beach Tour
For those seeking a more leisurely and energy-efficient way to explore, this full suspension e-bike tour lasts around two hours, taking you from Santa Monica to Marina del Rey. It’s suitable for ages 10-65, making it a flexible option for families or groups. The tour stops at Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Marina del Rey, giving you plenty of photo opportunities and chances to learn about the areas. Guests are encouraged to hydrate with bottled water provided throughout.
The e-bike feature allows you to cover more ground with less effort, especially along the flat coastal routes. The reviews highlight the ease of riding and scenic views, with one saying, “Enjoyed the view of boats at Marina del Rey and the ride along the coast.” It’s a quieter, more relaxed option that appeals to those who want to combine sightseeing with light exercise.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or those who prefer a less strenuous ride while still soaking up Santa Monica’s coastal scenery.
5. Santa Monica and Venice Beach Electric Bike Tour
This three-hour guided e-bike tour begins at Santa Monica Pier and offers a comprehensive look at the area. Designed for individuals aged 16 and older, it covers Muscle Beach, Venice Canals, Marina del Rey, and Palisades Park. The pedal assist makes it easier to explore longer stretches, especially uphill sections or headwinds. The tour includes stopping for photos and learning fun facts about each location.
Guests enjoy the flexibility of the e-bike, which allows for a relaxed pace without fatigue. The reviews include comments like “Easy to ride and a lot of fun,” and many mention how useful the supportive bikes are. This tour is perfect for those wanting a full overview of the coast with less exertion.
Bottom line: Excellent for riders who want comfort and efficiency while seeing the main sights of Santa Monica and Venice.
6. Private Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour
This private three-hour tour offers a tailored experience for groups of up to 4. Starting at Santa Monica Pier, the route includes Venice Canals, Marina del Rey, Muscle Beach, and the Venice Art Walls. The exclusivity allows for a more personalized experience, with the guide sharing customized insights and stories. The gorgeous scenery and photo opps are highlights, especially at the Venice Canals and marina.
Guests rave about how well the guide adapts to their interests, making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups. The cost is higher than group tours, but the personalized attention and flexibility are worth it for many travelers. The itinerary’s focus on local secrets and photo stops makes this a memorable choice.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a private, customizable experience with a focus on photo opportunities and insider tips.
7. The Santa Monica and Venice Beach E-Bike Tour
This scenic ride is considered the most visual of the e-bike options, taking you along the oceanfront walk and through Venice’s bohemian streets. The tour starts at Santa Monica Pier and covers major highlights like Venice Beach, the public workout area, and Palisades Park. The pedal assist makes it effortless to enjoy the sights without breaking a sweat.
The guide’s commentary is lively, emphasizing the quirky culture of Venice and the beautiful coastline. Guests note how much fun and easy the ride is, with plenty of photo stops along the way. The tour is highly recommended for those who want a relaxed, picture-perfect experience of LA’s coastal vibe.
Bottom line: Perfect for casual riders looking for the most scenic and Instagram-worthy route in LA.
8. Santa Monica Bike Rentals
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, Santa Monica’s bike rentals provide all you need. For around $22, you can rent a bike for 2 to 10 hours, giving you the flexibility to craft your own adventure. The rental shop is centrally located near the Santa Monica Pier and offers various bike types suitable for families, solo explorers, or groups.
This option is ideal for independent explorers who want to visit the beach, Venice Canals, or Muscle Beach on their own schedule. It’s a more budget-friendly way to experience Santa Monica, especially if you’re comfortable navigating the area yourself. The reviews mention easy pick-up, good quality bikes, and the freedom to roam.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who like independent, flexible exploration and want to avoid guided tour prices.
9. Santa Monica Electric Bike Rentals
This electric bike rental offers a simple way to cover more ground with less effort. Starting at about $44, you can rent an e-bike for 2 to 10 hours, allowing you to visit Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals, and Muscle Beach comfortably. The pedal assist makes uphill climbs or windy stretches much easier, and the bikes are praised for user-friendliness and comfort.
Many reviews mention how easy and fun it is to ride, with some noting the support for a full day’s adventure. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo riders who want to see more sights without tiring out. The convenient pick-up and reliable bikes make it a top pick for flexible exploration.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking easy, all-day access to Santa Monica’s sights with the help of pedal assist.
10. Private E-Bike Adventure Tour from Santa Monica to Redondo
This customizable private tour takes you along the coast from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach over 3 to 4 hours. It covers major spots like Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. The focus is on coastal vistas, local culture, and beach life. The tour includes photo stops and the flexibility to tailor the route to your interests.
While reviews are not yet available, the tour’s emphasis on coastal scenery and private guidance makes it appealing for travelers who prefer a personalized experience. It’s suited for those wanting a relaxed, scenic ride with the option to focus on specific areas or particular interests.
Bottom line: Perfect for small groups or couples seeking a custom coast-hopping experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
11. Marina Del Rey to Hermosa Beach e-Bike Coastal Beach Tour
This two-hour e-bike tour offers a breeze through the coast, from Marina del Rey to Hermosa Beach. The route highlights breathtaking ocean views, the lively Hermosa Beach Pier, and the coastal bike path. It’s suitable for those who want a short, scenic ride with pedal assist to ease uphill climbs or headwinds.
The tour’s small size and focus on the coast make it a good fit for relaxed riders who want to enjoy the beachside ambiance and ocean vistas without a full day commitment. Reviewers mention the breathtaking sunset views and easy ride, making it ideal for an evening outing.
Bottom line: Great for short, scenic excursions along the coast, especially if you want to include a beautiful sunset.
How to Choose the Best Santa Monica Bike Tour for You
When selecting a bike tour in Santa Monica, consider your budget, available time, physical fitness, and interests. Guided tours like Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure and Santa Monica and Venice Beach 3-Hour Guided Tour are ideal if you want local insights and a structured experience. For more flexibility, rentals such as Santa Monica Bike Rentals or Santa Monica Electric Bike Rentals give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
E-bike options like Santa Monica to Marina Del Rey e-Bike Beach Tour and Private Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour are perfect for less strenuous, scenic rides and customizable experiences. Booking early, especially in summer or holidays, can help secure the best times and prices.
In summary, Santa Monica’s bike tours offer a wide array of ways to see this coastal city. For an art and culture-focused experience, the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Adventure stands out. Those seeking a comprehensive guided tour might prefer the 3-Hour Guided Experience. For more flexible exploration, consider the bike rentals or e-bike tours, like the Santa Monica Electric Bike Rentals.
Whatever your style, Santa Monica’s bike scene makes it easy to enjoy the sun, surf, and local color up close. Just remember to book ahead if visiting in peak season, and gear up for a memorable ride along California’s iconic coastline.